WASHINGTON – In addition to the articles already covered by Native News Online, here’s a look at other news from Washington, D.C. recently impacting Indian Country.
Oak Flat petition continues to be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court
Apache Stronghold, a Native American advocacy group, has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its case to block the development of one of the world’s largest copper mines on sacred Arizona land. The group, which represents the San Carlos Apache tribe, has long opposed efforts by mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP to gain access to Oak Flat, known to the Apache as Chi’chil Biłdagoteel, arguing that the project is a would destroy an important religious site.
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The group issued a press release on Monday that was encouraging, as the Court did not properly dismiss its petition:
“The Supreme Court considered our request for the second time at its conference on December 13, 2024. Since we have not received notice of its decision to hear the case, the Court intends to hear it again at its next conference on January 10, 2024. Under that schedule, we could hear on January 10 or 13 whether the Court will hear our case, or whether the Court will need additional time for further consideration.
In any case, we consider this an encouraging sign that the Court is dedicating additional time to our case and examining it carefully. We ask all of our supporters to continue to pray that the judges will agree to hear our case and protect Oak Flat – just as the sacred sites of other faiths across the country have long been protected. Thank you again for your support.”
U.S. Senate Approves Bills to Support Tribal Land Restoration for the Jamul Indian Village and Lytton Rancheria in California
Senate passage of a pair of bills supporting tribal land restoration for the Jamul Indian Village and Lytton Rancheria in California. The Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act would establish over 170 hectares as trust land for the benefit of the Jamul tribe. The second bill would clarify that California’s Lytton Rancheria can put land into trust, which is essential to tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Both bills now go to the House of Representatives.
“The Jamul Indian Village and Lytton Rancheria in California have the right to restore their homeland by pledging their land into trust,” said Senator Padilla. “After enduring centuries of federal policies aimed at undermining tribal sovereignty, passage of these bills will allow Jamul and Lytton to preserve their sacred history and rebuild their communities. I am honored to have worked with the leaders of these tribes to achieve these critical land conservation efforts.”
“The Jamul Indian Village has worked for years to facilitate the best ways for tribal members to move to reservations to raise their families, preserve their native culture, and uphold tribal customs and practices,” said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.-48). “This fee-to-trust law gives this historic tribe the opportunity to do just that. By placing Jamul’s lands in trust, our legislation protects the reserve, sacred sites and Kumeyaay traditions so that they will continue long into the future.”
HHS is soliciting nominations for secretary Tribes Advisory Committee (STAC)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking nominations for primary education And Alternate delegates in open seating areas at STAC. The STAC Delegates – represent each of the twelve IHS areas And National At-Large positions – get started HHS leadership on healthcare priorities And policy influence Tribes And AI/AN populations. The vacancies are open for appointment And their conditions are:
1. Alternate Albuquerque Area (1-year term)
2. Bemidji area primary And Alternative (2-year terms)
3. Billings Area Primary (1 year term)
4. Primary area California And Alternative (2-year terms)
5. Nashville Elementary School And Alternative (2-year terms)
6. Primary Navajo Territory And Alternative (2-year terms)
7. Primary education in Oklahoma And Alternative (2-year terms)
8. Portland Primary Area And Alternative (2-year terms)
9. Tucson Primary Area And Alternative (2-year terms)
10. National Delegate for Primary Education (3) (2-year terms)
11. National Deputy Delegate at Large (1) (2-year term)
All nominees must be elected or appointed Tribes officials acting in their official capacity as elected officials of their country Tribes or are appointed by an elected official Tribes official where the designated person has the authority to act on behalf of the Tribes official. Nominations must be made by an elected or appointed official of a federally recognized official Tribe acting in his or her official capacity. Nominations are requested by January 16, 2025, And can be submitted to STAC@hh.gov. Please see this, dear Tribes Leader letter for full details.
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